Legendary punk rock band The Adolescents gave a blistering free concert at Amoeba Records in Hollywood on Wed., Febuary 18th to celebrate the release of their 12th album.

The Adolescents started in 1980 in Fullerton, Ca. and have been through a few roster changes through the years. In the past the band has included various members of punk rock hierarchy including former Nirvana and current Foo Fighters guitar player Pat Smear, members of Agent Orange, and Social Distortion.

This free show was as packed as I’ve ever seen a show at Amoeba Records, with punk rock fans lined up around the block before the show. The band tore through about 8 songs, which included classics as well as songs off the new album. The audience, which were about 80 percent fans under twenty, loved every minute of it.

It’s hard to believe that a band punk rock band that’s been around for 35 years can still play with the energy of bands that are just starting out, but the Adolescents do it with a raw energy and attitude that is much needed in music today. After the set, the band signed copies of their new CD, plus other items for their fans. I now am the proud owner of a brand new signed cd of the band plus guitar picks for my collection of rock n’ roll memorabilia. It’s always great to see a high-energy performance from a band that has been putting out no compromise punk rock as long as this band has.